Merry Christmas Eve!!

Hello Knitters!!

First off I want to wish you all a very Blessed and Merry Christmas and Holiday Season!!  I hope you all are having a wonderful Christmas Eve!!  Mine is going a little different than I had planned.  I ended up catching either strep throat or a throat virus of some sort and had to go to emergency yesterday to get some medication for it.  My throat does hurt quite a bit, but I'm hoping the antibiotics kick in soon and I start feeling better quickly.  Due to the fact that I'm sick, I stayed home tonight from my Mom's side of the family's Christmas dinner because I didn't want to infect anyone.  So I'm spending the evening with the animals and I'm cleaning the house since we are hosting my Dad's side of the family here tomorrow night.  Thankfully it's not a sit-down dinner, just some small snacks, but the house still has to be cleaned.  Since my Mom's birthday is today, I thought I'd try and surprise her by getting as much cleaning done as I can before she gets home so that she doesn't have to do it all tomorrow.  I should get back to it!!  Have a great evening everyone!!

Happy Knitting!!

P.S. I still have some Christmas knitting to do yet, I wonder if I can get it all done in time?!?

Busy, Busy

Hello Knitters,

I hope you are all are having a great week and that you are pretty much ready for Christmas.  I'm sorry for missing Miniature Monday and Ten on Tuesdays this week.  I actually had things planned but I ran out of time due to my incredibly busy life right now.  I'm really starting to feel the pressure of the season!!  The countdown has begun and I'm so not where I'd like to be on my projects.  Knitting-wise, I have to finish a scarf for my Aunt R, turn the heel and finish the foot of a sock for my Mom, put the finishing touches on a tiny gift for my sister, and I'm sure there is something else that I'm forgetting.  I also have a few things to sew up yet.  The biggest project right now though is the baking.  I've still got at least three days worth of baking to do and I have to fit it all into what's left of today and all day tomorrow.  See, that doesn't leave me any time to finish up the other projects.  I'm really not sure what I am going to do....  Anyways, I just wanted to let you all know that I am still alive, just super busy.  I'll be back to normal once the holidays are over :-)  I'm trying to enjoy Christmas, but I think I'm doing a lousy job of it.  Hopefully I can get things back on track! 

Happy Knitting!!

Ballerina Bunny

Hello Knitters,

I finished my Bunny from Itty-Bitty Toys the other night and my amazing Mom seamed her up for me.  I made her into a ballerina by adding a tutu skirt and ballet slippers.  I took the idea for the slippers from the bunny that Brittany sent me in my Easter Itty-Bitty Swap package. 

I used Spud and Chloe Sweater in Watermelon and Popsicle, which was such a treat to work with.  I think I'm going to have to order some more of this yarn soon, it makes a really nice knitted fabric and is so squishy.  It's perfect for lovable toys!!

Here's a close-up of her slippers. 

She turned out even cuter than I could have imagined!!  The pattern is great and fun to knit.  I made her for my best friend/cousin's little girl A.  I think every little girl should have her very own bunny, don't you? 

Happy Knitting!!

Ten on Tuesdays

Hello Knitters,

Lately Mom and I have been watching the 25 Days of Christmas on ABC Family so I thought today's theme will be "My Ten Favourite Christmas Movies." 

1. White Christmas - I discovered this one only a few years ago, but it has become one of my all-time favourites. 
2. I'll be Home for Christmas - This one has been a family tradition since I was a young teen.  My sister and I liked to watch it together!
3. The Santa Clause (as well as the other two) - Tim Allen is such a great actor.
4. Mrs. Santa Clause - I really like musicals. 
5. Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman and Frosty Returns - Special ones from my Childhood. 
6. Snowglobe - An ABC Family Original Movie.  This is a really fun one that helps you take a look at how being in your own family, weird as they are, is sometimes the best thing.
7. The Berenstain's Bears Christmas - This one is my Mom's all time favourite.  She says its not Christmas until she has watched it.
8. The Nutcracker - I don't know what version it is, but it used to be shown on PBS when I was a kid.  Having been a ballerina as a child, my dream was to be in this production one day.
9. Christmas in Handcuffs - Another ABC Family Original, it's a fun one to watch.
10. Home Alone 1 and 2 -  A couple more from my childhood.

There is just something special about watching these every year at this time.  They've become a part of my tradition, and I really look forward it.  I enjoy watching the 25 Days of Christmas because they show old and new ones, and it's always fun to add to my list of favourites!

Happy Knitting!!

Miniature Monday

Hello Knitters,

Today's miniature is a little gingerbread man all decked out for the holidays.  I made him into an ornament that I'm going to give to my new brother-in-law for a stocking stuffer.  I know it's kind of cheesy, but I think it's cute. 

Happy Knitting!!

Petite Purls - Winter 2010

Hello Knitters,

The Winter 2010 Issue of Petite Purls is now live!!  It is full of gorgeous designs and fun projects just waiting to be made.  I wanted to share a few of my favourites with you all. 

Cascade by Raya Budrevich - Which is a raglan-style baby cardigan with a beautiful lace leaf motif edging on the button band.  They have the sample knit in a grey colour, but I'd knit mine in a bright medium green I think.  Super cute for any little one in your life.

Petite Ballerina by Libby Grant - I used to be a ballerina as a child and remember being freezing during the winter months at class.  This adorable little wrap would have been the perfect accessory to ward off the chill!!  I like how the cable detail adds a little something special to it without taking away from the simplicity of the design. 

Leg Ups by Laura Nelkin - I don't have any babies of my own, but I've always thought that little leg warmers would be an awesome thing to use to keep their chubby legs cozy during the winter months.  This pattern comes sized from baby to adult so that everyone can get in on the fun!  The brioche stitch makes them extra pretty and is something that I've been wanting to try for a long time.  I think these in a baby or toddler size would be just the thing to get my feet wet with ;-)  And I must say that the little model is super adorable!!

Oliver by Jenna Swanson - Is a fun take on the sweater jacket.  It is knit in Spud and Chloe Sweater so it would be super soft and comfy to wear and the stripes add a fun playful element.  This is a design that could be made for a girl as well  just by just changing the colours. 

Uptown Girl by Shelley D. Jones - Leopard print is very big this season and what could be more stylish than this cute hat?  I really like the way the designer added pink to the mix for a fun take on the traditional colours and the bow is the the perfect thing to top it off.  I would honestly wear this myself!! 

Owlet by Odessa Reichel - I'm a big owl fan so this was immediately a project that jumped out as a "must make."  I was even more excited when I seen that the sizing goes from toddler all the way up to adult.  So now I can have my own pair!!  The pink and white colours are so much fun and add a nice pop of colour.  I think these are the perfect thing for the cold Canadian winter since the designer made them with that in mind!!  Also, these would be a great step into stranded colourwork.

Jack Frost by Katie Startzman - This toy is based on the description of Jack Frost from the Laura Ingalls Wilder book "Little House in the Big Woods" of which I was a huge fan as a young girl.  I used to think Jack Frost was this scary little skinny man who was sort of mischievous, but this design paints him in a magical light!  I'm honestly almost relieved to be able to have a different way of looking at him from now on.  I can't think of any kid who wouldn't want this hanging in their room during winter. 

This issue also includes some sewing and crochet patterns as well.  There is a sewn pixie hat, which is very cute as well as a crochet snowflake hat and crochet ear warmers. 

In the Show and Tell section I found among all their wonderful reviews that Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood of the Craft Sanity Podcast (of which I'm an avid listener and highly recommend) now has a Craft Sanity magazine available either online or in print.  You can check out more on her website here.  She does such an awesome job on her podcast that I can only imagine this being nothing but a fantastic magazine!!  Congratulations Jennifer!!

Their Renaissance Mom series is interviewing Meg McElwee of Sew Liberated.  And you have to check out her craft room, it's amazing!! 

They also feature some great articles including; festive quilted holiday coasters, and how to find time for knitting.

All in all it's a wonderful issue and I highly recommend you to check it out!!

I hope you all have a great weekend.  I'm off to start dreaming up what projects I'd like to make first....after all the Christmas knitting is done of course ;-)

Happy Knitting!!

Happy Friday!!

Hello Knitters,

I hope you all are having a wonderful end of the week.  It seems to me as though the whole thing flew by and I'm amazed it's Friday already!  I did finish decorating my room last night, although there are two more things I'd like to put up, I'm just not sure where.  I even cleaned up my room as well, so it feels like Christmas in here now!! 

I thought today I'd share a few pictures of some finished projects.  But first I want to show a better photo of me wearing the fingerless gloves Mary Rose knit for me.  Aren't they just lovely?  I wore them shopping the other day and got such nice compliments on them. 

The next picture is of the hat I knit for my cousin's husband.  The pattern is Modern Rib by Susan B. Anderson from Spud Says!  I made one just like it last year for my sister's husband and he really liked it, so I thought it was a good pattern to use again.  I knit it in a soft navy blue wool so it should be nice and warm. 

And lastly, this is the lap blanket I made for my Grandma's gift.  If you remember, it was my first real crochet project.  I fnally got the boarder finished on it, and I must say that I really like how it turned out.  I really hope that she likes it and that it keeps her nice and toasty warm over the cold winter months. 

Well, that's all for today.  I need to get back to my knitting.  I'm trying to knock out a few gifts this weekend and I should get a head start on them.  Have a great day everyone.

Happy Knitting!!

Ten on Tuesdays

Hello Knitters,

Now that it's December, the Christmas music is in full swing here, so today's Ten on Tuesdays theme is "My 10 Favourite Christmas Songs."

1. Carol of the Bells
2. White Christmas - Bing Crosby
3. I'll be Home for Christmas - Ann Murray
4. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee
5. The Man With All the Toys - The Beach Boys
6. Away in a Manger
7. Cool Yule - Louis Armstrong
8. All the Nutcracker songs
9. Walking in a Winter Wonderland - Ann Murray
10. Jingle Bell Rock

If you haven't already, I encourage you to get out the holiday music, it really makes the season that much brighter.

Happy Knitting!!

Miniature Monday

Hello Knitters,

Today we have a miniature star.  The Nutcracker Ballet is one of my favourite things about Christmas time and this little star plays a part in a Nutcracker themed ornament I'm making.  I'm trying to get it finished up tonight and should have it ready to share later this week. 

Have a great evening :-)

Happy Knitting!!

Itty Bitty Secret Santa Swap Package

Hello knitters,

Last night when we got home from the city we picked up the mail and in it was a card saying I had a package at the post office!!  I was so excited, but it was hard to wait until this morning to actually go and get it.  However, let me tell you, it was SO worth the wait!!  My secret Santa was the amazing Mary Rose (smozerose on Ravelry).  She has spoiled me rotten!! 

First off, it all came in a lovely green polka dot box that was filled to the brim.  It included: I skein Uptowne Road Lace in a gorgeous range of black, blues and purples, I skein of Scarlet Fleece Grassy Wool in pretty shades of purple, the Sock Yarn One Skein Wonders book, a small pair of scissors, some bigger sized stitch markers (which is great because I don't have any that size), the Knit Picks needle sizer (I've been wanting this forever!), 4 skeins of the prettiest embroidery thread I've ever seen in pink, white, tan and black, a beautiful "R" key chain, a Charlie Brown Christmas mug and some Chocolate Supreme Hot Chocolate to go with it (so cool because I'm a big Charlie Brown fan!), a holiday themed tea towel, a snowman cookie cutter (perfect since I've got to start my cookie baking soon), a recipe for a yummy artichoke dip and some adorable Christmas lights spreaders to go with it, Gel snowflake window stickers (that I've already put on my mirror), a cute little snowman ornament (which is now hanging on my tree), and I've saved the very best for last!!  Mary Rose knit me the most stunning beaded fingerless gloves!!  She made them just for me!!  I feel so incredibly blessed!!  Thank you so much!!

They came all wrapped up in their own special box!  I must also say that Mary Rose put lovely silver bows around the other boxed items as well, making the whole package so festive!

Here's a close up of them in the box.  See, they have a lace and bead Christmas tree motif on them! 



Mom took this picture in a hurry because she was on the way out the door, but I will try to get a better picture to really show the beauty of them.  I'm so looking forward to wearing them :-)

Here's a few more close-ups of the package:

Thank you, thank you, thank you Mary Rose!!  Words cannot even begin to express how blessed I feel and how thankful I am.  You have made this such a special swap for me!!  I rarely get any handmade gifts, so it was such a wonderful thing to receive the gloves :-)  Thank you again from the bottom of my heart!!

Happy Knitting!!

A's Fingerless Mitts

Hi Knitters,

I made these a while ago but finally got my Mom to take some photos this morning.  They are for my friend A's Christmas gift.  I used Spud and Chloe Sweater in Jelly Bean.  I think she'll really like the colour and I had a ton of fun working with it, it's just so cheery!! 

The pattern is from Knitting At Home by Leanne Prouse, which I must say is my favourite knitting book right now.  The style of it and the patterns are just what I think of when I think of knitting, and the photography is stunning and so inviting.  All in all, these were a fun, fast knit.  You can find out specifics on my Ravelry page.

Now I'm off to decorate my room....

Happy Knitting!!

Working Away

Hello Knitters,

Today I've been working on my Mom's gift for her birthday, which is on December 24th.  Even though she's a Christmas Eve baby, I try to make her birthday gifts non-holiday related so she feels like she gets an actual birthday present.  This year she said she wanted this bathing angel she seen in a book awhile back.  She's a really cute angel who is wearing one of those old-fashioned bathing suits with the pantaloons.  I'm doing her suit in a navy polka dot print.  So far I've got her body put together and most of her suit done, now I just have to attach it to her.  She doesn't have facial features or hair yet, but that will come tomorrow.  I wanted to get all of the machine sewing parts done so that I can move my machine out of my bedroom and to the basement in the hopes of decorating my room tomorrow afternoon. 

On the knitting front, I'm currently working on the Baby Doll from Itty-Bitty Toys for my cousin/best friend's little girl C for Christmas.  It's going good so far.  I got the head done, two arms and part of the body.  C is getting a new baby brother or sister here in the very near future, so I thought she might like a baby of her very own. 

By the way, I did finally end up getting my Cyber Monday Knit Picks order to go through.  Their site was so extremely slow all day long Monday so the extended the sale till midnight Tuesday.  Before going to bed Monday night around 11:00 PM I got on and placed my order.  I'm pretty excited about what I got.  I picked almost everything out with a specific project in mind, which made me feel a lot better about ordering more yarn! lol  Now just to wait until it gets here!!

I also got my Itty-Bitty Secret Santa Swap package mailed out yesterday when we were across the river.  I had to wait for some yarn I ordered that had been delayed, so I just mailed it over there to cut down on shipping time.  I'm so excited for my swap pal to receive it!  There have already been some gorgeous packages being received and shared in the Itty-Bitty Knits Group.  Makes me excited for mine as well :-)

Well I better get back to sewing.  Have a great evening everyone.

Happy Knitting!!